The Oldest Man to Ride Around the World for a Guinness Record
At 77 years old, Steve Barnett isn’t slowing down — he’s preparing for the ride of a lifetime. In March 2026 he’ll leave Panama to attempt a Guinness World Record: becoming the oldest man to circumnavigate the globe on a motorcycle — proving adventure doesn’t retire.
Steve Barnett
Round the world motorcycle traveller
Now is the time…
Life is like riding a motorcycle: stop moving forward and you fall. Last year I had a heart attack. I recovered — but two months later I was on a plane to Southeast Asia, riding for three months through Vietnam and Laos. That journey taught me something simple and urgent: life is too short to wait.
I’ve ridden across continents, through 79 countries, covering half a million kilometres. But I’ve never ridden all the way around the world. So I thought, at 77, now’s the time to change that.
The Guinness World Record info
Title: Oldest person (male) to go around the world on a motorcycle
Time: My flight is already booked for March 8 2026 and expect the trip to take about a year.
Requirements: It has to be one continuous trip on the same motorcycle, starting and ending in the same place. I can use publicly available transportation for those places where necessary (such as crossing oceans), but can’t have a support truck that sometimes carries the bike.
Criteria: Aside from the above, I have to document where I go with photos, videos, GPS readings etc.
Timeframe: There is no specific time frame stipulated by Guinness, but I expect to take about a year.
Age: I will be 77 years old when I leave, but the record is for when I finish.
Mileage: No idea how many miles I’ll cover — maybe 50,000.
How did it start?
Twenty years ago, an idea was born — sparked, as these things often are, by a woman.
In 2005, I was boarding the Red Ball ferry back to Seattle after visiting my daughter on Vancouver Island. Ahead of me stood my muse: early 20s, jeans and a t‑shirt, astride the most overloaded motorcycle I’d ever seen. Duffle bags, camping gear, even a guitar were stacked so high you could barely see the seat.
“Where are you headed?” I asked.
“Costa Rica,” she replied.
“Have you done much biking?”
“No, just bought this thing and got my license.”
“Speak Spanish?”
“No, but I hope to learn.”
No experience, no language, no plan — just raw courage. And that got me thinking: if she could set off with nothing but grit, why couldn’t I? Why stop at Costa Rica? Why not ride all the way to the bottom of the world?
That spark became reality in 2008–09: Panama to Tierra del Fuego, a side trip to Antarctica, then back through Brazil and (after an engine replacement), on to Alaska, New York, and Florida. Since then, I’ve logged 500,000 km in 79 countries, every continent but Antarctica — though I did sneak a piece of my bike there.
History, of course, repeats itself.
In 2022, another muse appeared: Bridget McCutchen, 22, from Wisconsin, chasing the Guinness World Record as the youngest woman to ride around the world. We met in Panama. Three years later, she had her certificate in hand. And once again I thought: if she can do it as the youngest, why not me as the oldest?
While I’ve ridden all over the world, I’ve never ridden all around it – especially in one go. So, I wrote to Guinness, and they accepted my attempt. In March 2026, at age 77, I’ll set off to circle the globe. First comes the bike, the modifications, the planning, the route. Then comes the ride…
What lessons have you learned from your previous travels?
Simpler is better: If something can go wrong, it will. And you had better be able to fix it yourself. I’ll be doing this on a 2025 Suzuki DR650… the best of 1990’s technology. It has a carburetor, which I can repair, not fuel injection, which I can’t.
Pack light: You only need about half of the stuff you thought you would need. You can wash clothes in the sink and buy what you find you didn’t bring.
Learn languages: Google Translate is great, but some basic phrases go a long way in making contacts.
Don’t over‑plan: Plans will always change. Much of my planning is based on someone I meet along the way telling me “you really ought to go to [fill in the blank].” Changing my plans to do that has led to some of my greatest experiences.
What are the benefits and challenges of your age?
I don’t see age as a hindrance, but it is a reality. I don’t do many of the off‑road trails that I used to do both because they are physically challenging and I prefer to be where I can (hopefully) get help if there are problems.
Having done similar trips in the past over many years is certainly a help. I’ve been to many of the places that I will visit on this trip (along with many new places), but the concept of visiting new countries and cultures is familiar to me.
The route
To meet the Guinness requirements, I have to start and finish in the same place, which is Panama. However, my first leg will be to fly me and the bike to Madrid. I’ll then go across Spain, France and Italy, south through Croatia, Serbia and the Balkans to Greece. From there it will be across Turkey to Georgia and Russia. Then a bit of visiting Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and back north into Kazakhstan.
From there it gets more complicated. What I want to do is go through China to Laos and through SE Asia to Indonesia. Then Australia, New Zealand, and ship the bike to South America (maybe Ecuador). Then back up to Panama.
China is, of course complicated. I’ve hopefully arranged for a guide (required) in China to help me with the paperwork, but it will be a last minute thing. If I can’t go through China I’ll go north into Russia and make my way to Vladivostok. Then to South Korea and Japan. After that… I haven’t figured it out yet!
The motorcycle
As I described above, I’ll be doing it on a Suzuki DR650 because of its simplicity, weight (vs KLR650) and ability to get (or modify) parts. I’ve made a lot of modifications: larger gas tank, aluminium panniers, better seat, heavier suspension, better performance through the carburettor, adding navigation, and so many more things.
One other effect of my age is that I really prefer not to camp any more. A bed and a shower are just too appealing. I plan on staying in hotels, guest houses, hostels, etc.
Before you go…
I’m not nervous, but I am anxious. There’s just so much to do. You think that four months is a lot of time, but it’s really nothing. I won’t really relax until I actually get on the bike in Madrid and start riding. And I can’t wait!
If you’ve ever wanted to do this kind of travel… just go for it. Whether it’s a week, a month, or a year… it won’t start to happen until you actually get on the bike and take off. Will you know what you’re getting into? Hell no! But that’s the fun of it.
A friend of mine who is an experienced world traveller says: “I never know what’s around the next corner… but I know it’s going to be a great adventure.” I think that’s a great philosophy to live by…
About Steve
I was born in Los Angeles and went to university in northern California. I am a retired business consultant and business professor. I spent my career working with businesses all around the world. I was fortunate enough to also be posted to Singapore for seven years as regional VP for two consulting firms so travelled extensively throughout Asia.
I took off work for four years mid-career (age 41) and returned to school to get a PhD in international business. Then, after a few years as a professor in Canada, I returned to consulting. After I retired, I took several visiting professorships in Panama, South Korea, and China. I moved to Panama in 2006 and have been here ever since.
You can follow Steve’s world record attempt here:
Facebook: steveswayaround
Instagram: steveswayaround
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15 thoughts on “The Oldest Man to Ride Around the World”
My congratulations to Mr. Barnett for his accomplishments on and off the motorcycles. My best wishes for his plans to ride around the world on his motorcycle.
I am an old rider, age 79, so I understand a few limitations come with age, but one of my dear friends still rides his motorcycle at age 89.
Be safe and make us all the riders proud.
SC Sharma
Thanks for the comments. Glad to see others of a “more mature persuasion” staying on 2 wheels. Keep it up.
Steve
Steve…..you are just too young…. What’s this BS about oldest man stuff.
Wish you would have got into India ..would have ridden with you.
I just did the Mae Hong Son Loop. Today at Agra to take part in Taj Rally.
Best of luck mate. Happy riding.
73s
Mahendra Negi
VU2MNX
Thanks Mahendra. Sorry we didn’t get to meet when I was in India. Maybe somewhere along this trip,
Steve
HP1STB
Hopefully see you on the road.
http://www.overlandops.co/go
Hope so too, Alan
Good luck Steve. Wishing you all the best.
Thanks Nigel. I appreciate that
Steve,
Personally I do not see major limitations to achieving your goal just because of age. Sure, you may have to occasionally temper our enthusiasm and adjust to reality, but if you are mentally and physically able to go forward, don’t let others doubts stop you. You have previous experience to guide you so you know what you are getting into and I and others should admire your gumption to take such a big bite out of life. This geezer (77) still rides almost every day and look forward to you adventures. Cheers to you and good luck. 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks Larry. Us geezers have to support one another.
From one Baby Boomer to another, Steve — I’m with you in spirit from the first mile to the last.
I’m over 75, just like you. We’re fellow consultants at LHH, and when I read that on March 7th you’re setting off to ride around the world and break a record, the first thing I felt wasn’t admiration. It was recognition.
Because those of us born in this generation know something the modern world tends to forget: experience doesn’t slow you down — it drives you forward.
I won’t be on the bike. But I’m riding with you.
Through every tough curve, every border crossing, every dawn on the open road — I’m there, wishing you tailwinds and clear skies.
Go far, Steve. Come home safe.
And may your story keep reminding the world that dreams don’t have an expiration date.
Thanks Juan Manuel. Surprised (and pleased) to see you on this site. We’ll celebrate when I get back to Panama
GOOD LUCK STEVE, IN PANAMA ATM ON A BOAT, WOULD RATHER IT WAS A BIKE THOUGH, SAFE TRAVELS, TONY
Thanks Tony. Enjoy Panama
Inspiring to read Steve and all the best to you.
When you reach Australia and if you’re headed to Sydney or NSW let me know, there’s a holiday cabin awaiting you there on the South Coast if you would like to stop and recharge.
Meantime safe and fun travels to you. And hats off to you.